In this article we discuss three most revered basic Catholic prayers namely, the Our Father prayer or The Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary or the Ave Maria and the Apostles’ Creed or the Nicene’s Creed.

Catholic Prayers – The Our Father

The Our Father prayer is also known as The Lord’s Prayer. Jesus Christ recited this short prayer Himself when He was asked by His disciples to teach them how to pray. The first part of the prayer addresses and praises God. And the next part addresses man’s concerns. Probably the most popular prayer among Christians, we see two versions of this prayer in the bible. The first version can be read in the Gospel of Matthew. The other version of the Our Father prayer is found in the Gospel of Luke. Whatever version we choose to recite or to meditate on, this is a prayer deep in meaning and devotion.

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Here’s also a collection of books with reflections on the Our Father:

In this book, Pope Benedict the XVI discusses his reflections about the Our Father prayer and all other significant events in Jesus’ life.

This book is written by Professor of Theology Scott Hahn, who has also written several books about Catholic Theology.

This book by Maria Ellena Castillo, published in February 2013, discusses why The Our Father is considered the most perfect prayer.

Catholic Prayers – The Hail Mary

The Hail Mary, also known as the Angelic Salutation, or the Ave Maria is recited to give honor to and to ask the intercession of the Virgin Mary. The Hail Mary part is based on passages about Mary in the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. The Holy Mary prayer was officially included in the Catechism of the Council of Trent in 1556. This prayer is an essential prayer in the Holy Rosary.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

Our Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,

Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Also, we present here some books and DVD’s about Mary:‘Mary, Mother of Jesus,’ tells the story of the life of the Virgin Mary. It stars Christian Bale and Pernilla August, and is directed by Kevin Connor.

This book by Anne Catherine Emmerich details her visions about Mary, from her birth to her Assumption.

‘The Testament of Mary,’ is a short novel about the Virgin Mary by Colm Toibin. It has been adapted for Broadway, and is scheduled to be shown starting April 2013.

Catholic Prayers – The Apostles’ Creed

The Apostles’ Creed summarizes the theological beliefs of the Catholic Church, and the whole Christian religion. It was officially referred as the ’ Apostles’ Creed’ by Ambrose in the fourth century. It declares the Christian belief in the Trinity, the Resurrection and the forgiveness of sins.

I believe in God,

the Father almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried;

he descended into hell;

on the third day he rose again from the dead;

he ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;

from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and life everlasting. Amen

Also, here are some books about the Apostles’ Creed:

This book by Catholic Theologian Luke Timothy Johnson explores Christianity’s central beliefs. It discusses its history as well as its evolution.

This book presents Hans Urs Von Balthasar’s reflections on the Apostles’ Creed. It provides brief but deep insights into this prayer.

This ends our brief article about three devotional Catholic prayers, the Our Father prayer, the Hail Mary and the Apostles’ Creed.

Every year First Communions are the cause of momentous celebration in multiple denominations around the world. The day is particularly special to those who, like Roman Catholics, see Communion as a sacrament. A First Communion ushers in an increased relationship with the church; one that those who witness the event, hope will last a lifetime. However, recent times have seen a shift in the overall focus on this important day. Once simple celebrations have become increasingly more expensive and overt spectacles. This shift has left some to call for a return to the personal and intimate elements once associated with First Communion. Focusing on First Communion prayers are a great way to do just that.

Catholic ejaculatory prayers or aspirations have long helped believers remind themselves to stay in constant prayer. However, the practice is not without its fair share of criticism. Those who practice ejaculatory prayer walk a thin line between remaining devote and subconsciously repeating phrases that have long lost their spiritual benefits.

“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.” In 2000 Bruce Wilkinson published a book based on the above prayer from 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. The book went on to sell nine million copies worldwide.

There has been a great deal of research and scholarship devoted to the life Saint Padre Pio. However, I will be focusing on a single prayer of Saint Padre Pio. It is my sincerest hope that through examining this single prayer, you may gain a small amount of new insight into the devotional habits of the this great saint.

In 2003 Jeannette Cooperman published an article in the National Catholic Reporter entitled, “Replacing Prayer with Pills.” In it she illustrates a scene in a local community center where people of various ages can be seen treating “their medicine and herbs the way pagans treat fire” (14). In developed countries around the world people sink themselves into poverty and submit themselves to increasing taxes to maintain an ever increasing dependence on pills and other medications. With all this blind dependence it is no wonder that some religious organizations consider the taking of medication contrary to God’s teachings.

Since its inception in the centuries following Jesus’s death and Resurrection, the Stations of the Cross underwent a transformation in the hearts and minds of many Christians. Likewise, the role that the devotional practice plays for believers also experienced trends and developments. The Stations of the Cross continue to help people around the world discover meaning in their own suffering and examine Jesus Christ in what is an important but too often ignored perspective.

As a devotional practice, the Sacred Heart of Jesus has experienced its fair share of highs and lows. Ever since 1673 when St. Margaret Mary Alacoque received a vision of Jesus Christ, His heart visible with love and suffering, the devotion has been an important practice and reminder for Roman Catholics the world over (Knight 26). However, throughout the centuries that followed, the extent of that importance in the daily lives of believers has greatly fluctuated.